Core Course

A course in practical linguistics and how to learn a language – $25 / £19 per month (+ VAT if applicable)

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What is a Language?

The Linguisticator Core Course provides a complete program in practical linguistics for non-specialists. In this course, you will learn what all the parts and pieces of a language are, the terminology linguists use to describe them, and how you can learn all these parts and pieces systematically for a new language. The Core Course provides the essential foundation necessary for being able to understand and use the Linguisticator language maps and get the most out of each language-specific program.

Why Learn Linguistics?

All languages solve the same problems of communication. By learning the concepts and terminology surrounding how languages work, you'll be able to learn a new language faster and to a higher level of fluency. Professional linguists are able to learn dozens of languages because of their training, not because of any difference in innate ability. The Core Course provides you with that same training, systematically laying out all problems of communication solved by languages. We then explore the various ways in which languages solve these problems of communication, exploring examples from several languages of different language families.

Here's something we recently put together that summarizes some of the material we cover in detail in the Core Course:

The Core Course is included along with any subscription to a specific language. It can be taken independently, however, and can be used as a framework for learning any language, regardless of whether Linguisticator has yet produced a program for that language. For example, while we don't yet have a Xhosa program, you could use the systems outlined in the Core and Memory courses to learn Xhosa.

Scroll Down to "Class Curriculum" to View Free Samples Lessons on This Page



Your Instructor


Aaron Ralby
Aaron Ralby

Dr. Aaron Ralby is the founder and director of Linguisticator Ltd. He holds a BA in English and Modern Languages and Linguistics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; an MPhil in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic from the University of Cambridge; and a PhD in Medieval Studies from Cornell University. Aaron is the principle overseer of course creation at Linguisticator and also presents all final materials produced by his team of linguists and native speakers.


Course Curriculum


Introduction: Language Structure, History and Change
Nouns, Articles and Adjectives
Verbs and Adverbs
Other Bits and Bobs of Grammar, Syntax and Constructions
Putting it all Together: Medieval Memory Techniques and How to Internalize Structure
Vocabulary: How to Build it and How Not to Build It
Pronunciation as a Trainable Skill
Writing Systems, Idiom and Register
Body Language and Cultural Aspects
Resources for Language Learning

Frequently Asked Questions


Why should I do the Core Course before starting my language?
Regardless of what language you are trying to learn, it is best to understand first the material covered in the Core Course. This provides essential linguistic training that will significantly speed up the process as you get into learning your specific language. It will furthermore give you the tools you need to understand and make most efficient use of our language-specific programs and maps. Taking the time to learn the material covered in the Core Course will allow you to reach higher levels of fluency in shorter periods of time.
Do I have to subscribe to the Core Course separately?
The Core Course is available on its own as its own course, but it is bundled together with all of our language-specific courses. So, if you wanted to learn Italian, for example, you could subscribe to our Italian program and you would automatically receive access to the Core Course as well.
How long does it take?
The Core Course is about 12 hours of video, plus a book of handouts and reviews. Most people need to watch the video material twice through, with a review of handouts in-between. Some people, however, prefer to speed through the Core Course and move on to a specific language, only returning to the Core Course to strengthen their understanding of a particular linguistic topic.
Why do I "subscribe"? Is there a minimum subscription?
Everybody has different learning needs and goals, so no two people will study or learn in the same way. A subscription model works best in this regard because it provides flexibility of access, especially as there is no minimum subscription. You can take as much or as little time as you need to work through the videos and lessons.

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